PMQs: Oxfordshire MP makes first question about Thames Water

Liberal Democrat Calum Miller, who was voted in to represent the Bicester & Woodstock constituency, stood up to question Sir Keir Starmer about "sewage dumping" from Thames Water.

MPs and councillors in the county have been vocal in their criticism of the company for both environmental pollution and water bill price hikes.

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This comes as sewage was dumped into rivers in Oxfordshire for 56,068 hours in 2023 according to a study which amounted to a 297 per cent rise in the duration of sewage spills compared to the previous year.

Addressing the Labour leader, Mr Miller said: "At Combe – in my constituency – Thames Water has pumped sewage into the River Evenlode for over 2,600 hours in the last year.

"Thames Water was allowed by Ofwat to withdraw £7 billion in dividends but now wants to jack up my constituents’ bills.

"I welcome the Water Bill in the King’s Speech.

"But does the Prime Minister agree with my constituents and me that the system is broken?

Sewage outfall at Cassington STW. (Image: Windrush Against Sewage Pollution)

"And will he commit to scrapping Ofwat replacing it with a tougher regulator that puts people and the planet ahead of water company profits?"

Responding, Sir Keir thanked Mr Miller for raising the "important issue in relation to water".

He added: "Customers should not pay the price for the mismanagement by water companies and we've already announced immediate steps to put water companies under tougher regime."

Sir Keir said he would "fix the mess of the failure of the last 14 years".

Thames Water says it is increasing sewage treatment capacity at a number of sewage works across the Thames Valley.

A spokesman added: “Thames Water has put forward an ambitious plan for the next five years that focuses on what our customers and stakeholders told us were their priorities."

Keir Starmer responds to the question. (Image: BBC.)

But speaking to us, Mr Miller said: “After speaking to countless constituents in recent weeks, the same message came up time and again, people are sick to the back teeth of Thames Water relentlessly pumping sewage into our precious rivers and streams and damaging our beautiful countryside.

“Enough is enough, my constituents cannot wait any longer.

"Ofwat must be replaced by a new regulator with real teeth to crack down on these polluting firms and bring the sewage scandal to an end. 

“Whilst I welcome the new government’s announcement of a new Water Bill, we must work to ensure there are no half-measures in ending the sewage scandal.”